There are many varieties of Hibiscus plants; two that are currently in bloom at the Arboretum are Hibiscus moscheutus and Hibiscus syriacus.
Hibiscus moscheutus (Swamp Rose Mallow) is a herbaceous perennial that produces dinner plate sized flowers. The plants can reach 3-7 feet tall by 2-4 feet wide. New growth is slow to emerge in spring, but grows quickly thereafter. Hibiscus moscheutus cv. Kopper King is a pretty shade of pink with a dark pink throat. A bright red Hibiscus moscheutus (possibly ‘Lord Baltimore’) is blooming nearby.
Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon) is a close relative of H. moscheutus. A native of eastern Asia, it is a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub which grows to 8-12 feet tall. Currently in bloom at the Arboretum are a white flowered plant, Hibiscus syriacus cv. Diana and the blue flowered H. syriacus ‘Blue Bird’.
Several other varieties are also in bloom, why not visit and check them out for yourself?
Picture credits: Margery Ennist.
